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WHAT IS LYMPHOEDEMA?
Lymphoedema is swelling of an area of the body, most commonly a limb and sometimes the adjoining area of the trunk. Other areas e.g. head, neck or genitals can also be affected.

LYMPHOEDEMA occurs because the lymphatic system is unable to cope with drainage of the normal amount of lymph produced. This causes a ‘pooling’ of fluid in the tissues under the skin.

There are two main types of Lymphoedema. Photograph of the Ivy covered Linden Centre building

Type 1 Primary Lymphoedema
May be inherited or have a tendancy to run in families. It can also arise without a family history or other obvious cause.

Type 2. Secondary Lymphoedema

Generally arises due to lymph nodes being scarred, blocked, or removed following surgery or radiotherapy to treat cancer. It may occur immediately following treatment or many years later.

DOES SECONDARY LYMPHOEDEMA MEAN THE CANCER HAS RETURNED?
No, not necessarily, though this is an initial worry of many people. Recurrent cancer can be a cause, however this is not often the case. It is important to see your G.P. or Hospital Consultant.

CAN LYMPHOEDEMA BE TREATED
Yes - There are several ways of treating lymphoedema.
Treatment comprises of four main elements.

Skin Care (Taking care of your skin)
Exercise
Compression (In the form of hosiery or special bandages)
Simple Lymphatic Drainage

Treatment will be tailored to suit you. You may require a combination of all of the treatment parts. You may need them all at once or at different times.

WHY DO I NEED A LYMPHOEDEMA CLINIC? Photograph of the Ivy covered Linden Centre building

Specially trained staff are able to offer:-

Support & Advice
Implement treatment to suit you as an individual taking account of your lifestyle.
Monitor and Evaluate any treatment offered.
Use research based practice.
Maintain an up to date knowledge of any new initiatives.
Provide appropriate compression garments.

Provide decongestive lymphatic therapy (intensive treatment).

WHEN IS THE CLINIC HELD?
Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4pm at
TRINITY - PALLIATIVE CARE CENTRE
Low Moor Road, Bispham, Blackpool
Tel: 01253 359379
Fax: 01253 595654

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

TRINITY - Palliative Care Services
Low Moor Road, Bispham
Blackpool FY2 0BG
Tel: 01253 358881
Fax: 01253 352771
www.trinitythehospice.inthefylde.org.uk

BACUP
3 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London EC2A 3JR
Tel: 020 7696 9003

LYMPHOEDEMA SUPPORT NETWORK
St. Lukes Crypt
Sidney Street
London
SW3 6NH
Tel: 020 7351 4480